Stronghold Crusader

Stronghold Crusader is a sequel to a surprise strategy and simulation hit Stronghold from 2001. This eagerly anticipated sequel moved the stage from the medieval sieges of kings and their armies to the historic conflict in the Middle East – the famous Crusades.

During the extensive singleplayer campaign of Stronghold Crusader HD, you will be able to reenact the largest battles of the First, Second, and Third Crusades, take control over the military leaders such as Richard the Lionheart and the Saladin, Sultan of Syria, and find a way to victory in the battles of Nicea, Heraclea, the siege of Antioch, Krak des Chevaliers and the famous Siege of Jerusalem.

The core gameplay loop of Stronghold: Crusader closely follows the systems set in its predecessors, with numerous changes being placed because of the move of the game setting from fertile Europe to the deserts of the Middle East. While building, maintaining, and reinforcing your fortresses and strongholds can lead to victory, to successfully win battles, you will have to take care, organize, micromanage, and set supply paths not only for your warriors and military equipment, but also for food producers, merchants, craftsmen, weaponsmiths, and the rest of population of your medieval settlements.

Brand new mercenary units featuring a wide array of Arabian units can be purchased from mercenary posts. As in the original game, the battlefield can be severely impacted by the presence of unique historic characters. In this game, they are separated into two groups – European and Arabian lords.

The popular multiplayer from the original Stronghold returns, with expanded options for larger battles, more special powers, and more modes of play, enabling players to set in motion up to 10 thousand troops inside a single match.

The success of the core Stronghold franchise enabled this Middle Eastern spinoff to receive a fully-featured sequel more than a decade after the premiere of Stronghold Crusader HD.

Modes of Play

• The core play mode is a historical campaign that is comprised of four historical campaigns where you can take control over Crusaders and Saladin’s forces.
• Crusader Trail †is a unique set of 50 linked missions that will test your strategy skills to the breaking point.
• 8 player multiplayer.
• A fully-featured map editor, enabling users to create their unique combat scenarios.

Highlights

• Defend the castles and organize sieges in the historic Crusades.
• Take control over Crusader or the Saladin forces.
• Brand new units and abilities.
• Support for up to 10 thousand troops in one battle.
• Four historical campaigns and several secondary modes of play.
• Map editor for crafting unique challenges.
• Modest system requirements.
• Free to try under the Shareware license!

Main Features

Castle Building: Construct mighty fortresses with walls, towers, and gates to defend against enemy attacks.

Resource Management: Gather resources like wood, stone, and food to sustain your population and army.

Varied Units: Recruit diverse units, including archers, knights, and siege weapons, to battle against your foes.

Challenging AI: Face off against AI opponents with unique personalities and strategies in the game's single-player campaigns.

Multiplayer: Engage in multiplayer battles with friends or strangers in intense skirmishes.

Custom Scenarios: Create custom scenarios and maps with the included map editor for endless gameplay possibilities.

Historical Accuracy: Enjoy a historically inspired setting with authentic architecture and units from the Crusades.

How to Play

Building: Begin by constructing essential buildings like hovels, woodcutters, and quarries to gather resources.

Economy: Establish an efficient economy by balancing your resource production with your population's needs.

Defenses: Build walls, towers, and defensive structures to protect your castle from enemy attacks.

Military: Train and equip your troops, strategically positioning them to defend your territory and launch attacks on your enemies.

Campaigns: Play through the game's extensive single-player campaigns, each with its unique challenges and objectives.

FAQ

How do I deal with resource shortages?
Manage your economy carefully, prioritize critical resources, and consider trading with AI opponents or allies.

What's the best strategy for multiplayer games?
Cooperation and communication with teammates are crucial. Coordinate your efforts and focus on both defense and offense.

Can I play Stronghold Crusader on modern Windows systems?
Yes, the game is compatible with most modern Windows operating systems. Some users may need to apply patches or use compatibility modes for smoother gameplay.

Are there any expansion packs for Stronghold Crusader?
Yes, it has received expansion packs, such as Stronghold Crusader Extreme and Stronghold Crusader 2, which offer additional content and gameplay improvements.

Is there a limit to the size of my army or population?
Yes, there are population and unit caps based on the number of available buildings and resources. Balancing your population and military is essential.

Alternatives

Age of Empires II: Offers historical RTS gameplay with various civilizations to choose from.

Age of Empires III: A real-time PC strategy video game developed by Microsoft.

StarCraft II: A sci-fi RTS with diverse factions and a thriving competitive scene.

Warcraft III: Reforged: A classic fantasy RTS with a rich single-player campaign and a strong multiplayer community.

Pricing

The game is available for purchase on digital platforms like Steam and GOG. The price may vary depending on promotions and bundled content, but it generally falls within the $10 to $20 range.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7/8/10/11 with the latest service packs
• Processor: Intel Pentium 4 1.6Ghz or equivalent
• Memory: 512 MB RAM
• Graphics: 64MB DirectX 8.1 Compatible
• DirectX: Version 8.1
• Storage: 850 MB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 8.1 Compatible
• Additional Notes: GameRanger software will be installed for multiplayer matchmaking support

PROS

• An engaging blend of city-building and real-time strategy.
• Challenging AI opponents with distinct personalities.
• Extensive single-player campaigns and customizable scenarios.
• Multiplayer mode for intense battles with friends.
• Historical accuracy and authentic Crusader setting.

CONS

• Graphics and animations may feel dated compared to modern games.
• Limited diversity in the desert environment.
• Learning curve for newcomers to the series.
• Occasional pathfinding issues for units.
• Lack of major updates or remastered versions.

Conclusion

Stronghold Crusader HD remains a beloved classic in the real-time strategy genre, offering a unique and challenging gaming experience. Its focus on castle-building, resource management, and medieval warfare in the Middle East during the Crusades provides a distinctive flavor not found in many other RTS games.

While it may show its age in terms of graphics and some gameplay mechanics, the game's engaging campaigns, AI opponents, and multiplayer mode ensure that it continues to be a staple for strategy enthusiasts. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, Stronghold Crusader is worth a playthrough for its historical charm and addictive gameplay.